For Immediate Release

(Tuscaloosa) The Arts Council of Tuscaloosa will recognize artists, educators, volunteers and patrons of the arts at the 20th Druid Arts Awards on April 18, 2013 at the Bama Theatre. A reception honoring the winners and their families will be held at the theatre’s Greensboro Room at 6:00 p.m. with the awards ceremony at 7:00 p.m. Admission is $20 and the deadline to purchase tickets in person or reserve by phone is April 8th at 5:00 p.m. Call 758-5195 for reservations or visit the Arts Council office at 600 Greensboro Avenue in the PARA Building.

In founding and perpetuating the Druid Arts Awards, The Arts Council realized that the number of talented and dedicated people who were working as volunteers, artists, educators and corporate sponsors was very large and growing. The Council also realized that the work of these individuals as well as supportive businesses was not often publicly recognized. It was for this reason that the Druid Arts Awards were established, and it has become a bi-annual presentation to honor these special individuals who have achieved distinction in the arts over a number of years in Tuscaloosa County.

Three nominations- volunteer, artist, and educator- were requested from the community in each of the categories of music, visual arts, dance, literature and theatre. Nominations were also requested for Patron of the Arts, Corporate Sponsor, Tuscaloosa’s Home Grown and Special Awards. Tuscaloosa’s Home Grown was established to honor those native to Tuscaloosa who have become recognized in their field on a national/international level. Individuals or groups who have contributed to or supported the arts through actions outside of the aforementioned categories are honored with a Special Award.

Nominations were presented by citizens of Tuscaloosa County, and a committee comprised of members of The Arts Council Board of Directors made the final selections.

“The significant contributions that our winners make to our local community influence our quality of life, our children and the local economy. The Arts Council’s recognition of these individuals and corporations is a celebration of their artistic achievement and generosity,” noted Sandra Wolfe, Executive Director of The Arts Council.

2013 DRUID ARTS AWARDS WINNERS

Patron of the Arts Award: City of Tuscaloosa & Tuscaloosa County Commission

Corporate Sponsor of the Year: Alabama Power Foundation

Special Award: Ray Taylor

Special Award: David Jones

Music Volunteer: Dr. James E. “Ed” ShottsMusic Educator: Doff ProcterMusician of the Year: The Cavell Trio